Planet Earth II for Snapchat

BBC Worldwide and Snap Inc have partnered to launch an exclusive series of Planet Earth II ‘Shows’ on social media messaging app Snapchat’s Discover Platform in the US and Canada. In a first for mobile audiences, never-before-seen footage filmed for the landmark series will launch on Snapchat a day before the show’s February 18th debut on BBC AMERICA in the US, and the recently launched BBC Earth in Canada.

The content produced by BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit will include six exclusive episodes, each telling a new Planet Earth II story featuring new scenes that have been specifically crafted for Snapchat’s vertical mobile viewing experience. The episodes will each complement the theme of the TV episode premiere on BBC AMERICA and BBC Earth channel, but will feature storylines that are unique to Snapchat.

Tim Davie, CEO BBC Worldwide said: “This collaboration is all about taking a mobile-first approach to our amazing natural history landmarks. And reaching untapped audiences to showcase jaw-dropping content on Snapchat is the perfect way to pay testament to the film-makers who produce these world-class shows.”

Nick Bell, Vice President of Content for Snap Inc. said: “For millions of Snapchatters, our app is their first screen – and this will be their first introduction to the unbelievable cinematic quality, storylines and stunning visuals of the Planet Earth franchise. We saw a unique opportunity to work with BBC Worldwide to reimagine Planet Earth II for our platform. We can’t wait for our community to get to experience it.”

Sarah Barnett, President BBC AMERICA, commented: “This initiative with Snapchat is the perfect partnership: a celebration of our amazing planet through an exclusive offering to Snapchat users, including many BBCA fans, who are some of the most plugged in and digitally aware people on earth.

Raja Khanna, CEO, Television & Digital, Blue Ant Media (for BBC Earth in Canada), stated: “Snapchat has offered us an incredible opportunity to reach out to a highly engaged Millennial audience of animal and nature fans across Canada with the content they crave and on the platform they love.”

In conjunction with the Planet Earth II premiere on Snapchat, Snap is rolling out several exciting new features for Snapcodes:

Starting immediately, Snapchatters can use the Planet Earth II Snapcode to subscribe in advance of Planet Earth II‘s premiere on Snapchat, which will help ensure they don’t miss an episode. Snapchatters will also be able to use the Snapcode to get a ‘first look’ preview of the series, ahead of the debut of the first episode on February 17.

Once Planet Earth II begins airing on Snapchat, Snapchatters can also use the Planet Earth II Snapcode to view the most current episode, even if that episode is not currently live on the app

This partnership adds to a growing number of collaborations between Snapchat and television networks to offer TV series in its content lineup.

Planet Earth II brings audiences a vivid and unexpected exploration of the joy, wonder, and drama of the natural world – a welcome breath as we begin a new year. Over three years in the making and encompassing a total of 2,089 filming days across 117 production trips in 40 different countries, the BBC series has already captivated viewers internationally. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough for the TV series and Academy Award nominated actress Sophie Okonedo for the Snapchat series, Planet Earth II is a heart-pounding landmark event that captures the natural world in ways that would have been impossible a decade ago.

In the US, the premiere episode of Planet Earth II will simulcast across BBC AMERICA, AMC and Sundance TV on Saturday, February 18th at 9/8c, with the following episodes premiering exclusively on BBC AMERICA. In Canada, the series will premiere on the newly launched commercial-free channel BBC Earth on Saturday, February 18th at 9pm ET/PT, simulcast with BBC AMERICA in the US.